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What are amniotic fluid leak tests?
To distinguish leakage from discharge, you need to periodically do tests, they are of two types – test strips and test systems.
Test strips are pads that need to be worn for a certain amount of time. The principle of operation is based on the detection of amniotic fluid. The test has low sensitivity, so it often gives false results.
Reusable test systems recognize specific proteins contained in the amniotic fluid. They are much more accurate than test strips – increased sensitivity eliminates the risk of false results.
Top 5 rating according to KP
1. Test AmnioQUICK (AmnioKVIK)
This kit is a self-sufficient test system that provides high-quality results that are superior in speed, accuracy, sensitivity, specificity and reliability to all existing methods. It covers the entire spectrum of diagnostic needs, from simple cases where a confirmatory study is simply needed, to the most complex cases where there is no visible amniotic fluid leakage (so-called subclinical ruptures). There are no contraindications or restrictions for the test. The test is safe and can be performed at any stage of pregnancy. The big minus of such a test is its price – the test is not cheap.
2. Amnisure test kit
It uses the principle of immunochromatographic detection of human placental alpha-microglobulin-1 (PAMG-1 PAMG-1) amniotic fluid. It has highly sensitive monoclonal antibodies, which make it possible to detect even a minimal amount of PAMG-1 in the cervico-vaginal secretions after rupture of the anode membranes. PAMG-1 was chosen as a marker of ruptured membranes because of its high levels in amniotic fluid, low levels in blood, and extremely low background levels in cervico-vaginal secretions with intact membranes. To minimize false negatives, the test uses a combination of multiple monoclonal antibodies that keeps the AmniSure ROM test at an optimally low threshold of 5 ng/mL.
3. AmnioTest ProLab Diagnostics
AmnioTest is to detect a protein that is found in the waters and is absent in all other secretions. A cytological study makes it possible to detect fern-like crystals in the secretions, which are also found in the amniotic fluid and are absent in other fluids. This is a quick and informative method for diagnosing ruptured bladder membranes in pregnant women. The kit contains several disposable swabs soaked in nitrazine yellow dye, each test is in a separate package. Amniotic fluid leak tests are sterile, sterilized by gamma irradiation. This test also belongs to the category of expensive ones.
4. Test pad FRAUTEST Amnio
Despite the fact that experts do not trust these gasket tests, they have positive reviews. Buyers note that the test is able to diagnose water leakage at different times, it is easy to use and affordable when it comes to prices.
The package must be opened with dry hands, glue the gasket on the underwear. Wear a pad as usual for 12 hours or less – as soon as you feel a leak. If the amniotic fluid leaks, then blue or green spots will appear on the pad after removal after 10 minutes, if the pad has not changed color, there is no water leakage.
It is not recommended to use the test pad less than 12 hours after sexual intercourse, vaginal douching, use of vaginal suppositories. Also, you can not test immediately after taking a shower, bath, the result will be uninformative. If discomfort or skin irritation occurs, stop using the pad immediately.
5. Express test Aktim PROM (Actim PROM)
And closes the rating of the best tests for amniotic fluid leakage rapid test Actim PROM (Actim PROM). This is a highly sensitive rapid test for the detection of amniotic fluid in the vaginal discharge. Gynecologists advise buying it for its high accuracy.
The package contains 10 Aktim PROM individual tests, each of them consists of the following components:
- sterile polyester swab for sampling;
- tube with buffer solution (0,5 ml) for extraction: phosphate buffer with bovine albumin, surfactant, protease inhibitors and preservative;
- test strip and desiccant packed in a film bag;
- short instruction.
How to choose the right amniotic fluid leak test
– Pad tests react to changes in pH. Normal secretions have an acidic pH, while amniotic fluid has an alkaline environment. But the reliability of such a test is low, I would not trust him. We can assume that if the pH is acidic, then it is probably not water, but if it is alkaline, a more sensitive refinement method is needed. There are more accurate tests in the form of tampons. They determine the presence of specific proteins in the secretions. For example, AmniSure (detection of placental alpha microglobulin-1) or Actim PROM (detection of protein-1 that binds insulin-like growth factor). Therefore, it is better to choose tampon tests, they can be trusted. But keep in mind that the sensitivity of these tests is 98-99%, not 100%! Both false positive and false negative results are possible. obstetrician-gynecologist Yulia Golesheva.
Popular questions and answers
Julia Golesheva, obstetrician, gynecologist, gynecologist-endocrinologist, reproductive specialist answers:
Is there any alternative to amniotic fluid leak tests?
The second alternative method of verification can be called the old “clean diaper” method. A pregnant woman needs to go to the toilet, perform all the necessary hygiene procedures, wipe herself dry. After that, lie down on a dry and clean cotton diaper or sheet and lie down for half an hour or an hour. If wet spots appear on it, water is likely to leak.